Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato
Abstract
This paper seeks to identify how issues of epistemological racism are addressed in practice
within an indigenous Kaupapa (philosophy) Maori approach to research, and how such
considerations may impact on the Western trained and positioned researcher. One fundamental
understanding to a Kaupapa Maori approach to research is that it is the discursive practice
that is Kaupapa Maori that positions researchers in such a way as to operationalise selfdetermination
(agentic positioning and behaviour) for research participants. This is because the
cultural aspirations, understandings and practices of Maori people implement and organise the
research process. Further, the research issues of power; initiation, benefits, representation,
legitimation, and accountability are addressed and understood in practice by practitioners of
Kaupapa Maori research through the development of a participatory mode of consciousness
